Marquez, Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini are all within the operating for a coveted seat on the works Ducati workforce subsequent yr, because the Italian producer weighs up which rider to place alongside double champion Francesco Bagnaia.
Though Ducati initially had reservations about Marquez becoming a member of its satellite tv for pc Gresini workforce this yr, it will definitely gave the Spaniard the blessing to trip a year-old GP23 – and it has solely grown keen on him since then.
The 31-year-old’s star standing, historical past of successful a number of titles and his method in direction of racing makes him a horny choice for Ducati, though additionally it is conscious of the influence it may have on the concord of the workforce.
The Borgo Panigale marque has indicated that the identification of Bagnaia’s team-mate might be revealed as early as subsequent month’s Italian Grand Prix, and one one who will play a key function within the determination is its basic supervisor Dall’Igna.
Petrucci is aware of Dall’Igna properly from his time at Ducati in 2019-20, a stint that yielded race wins at Mugello and Le Mans, and he thinks Marquez is greatest positioned to earn a manufacturing unit promotion subsequent yr.
“I haven’t got any inside info, however I’ve a hunch that Marquez will go there,” Petrucci instructed GPOne. “I do not know if there will probably be any issues with the vitality drinks sponsorship [Marquez is a Red Bull-backed rider while Ducati is sponsored by Monster].
“However from what I perceive – which I’d really feel for Enea – Gigi Dall’Igna does not let a rider like Marquez get away.
Photograph by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
“He led Ducati to victory as a result of he’s relentless in his technique of reasoning, within the sense that he’s relentless in pursuing his purpose.
“Gigi may be likeable or dislikeable, however he has led Ducati to be the reference in MotoGP. Figuring out his approach of reasoning, I believe he desires to search out out what a rider like Marquez can do on his bike.”
Marquez and Bagnaia fought tooth-and-nail for victory within the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez final weekend, with the latter ultimately popping out on prime of their epic duel by simply four-tenths of a second.
Petrucci questioned whether or not Bagnaia would need his unofficial number-one standing at Ducati to be jeopardised by the arrival of Marquez.
“Contemplating that Pecco is in an unimaginable second and that he has at all times made the distinction when wanted, I do not know if he’ll like Marc’s arrival,” he stated.
“Perhaps that is additionally one thing to consider right here, the human facet contained in the field. They might be two nice champions, every doing their obligation.”
Ought to Marquez get the second seat at Ducati, it might come on the expense of Bastianini, whose first marketing campaign with the workforce in 2023 was closely impacted by accidents.
Pramac rider Martin additionally had made it clear that he would settle for nothing aside from a manufacturing unit trip at Ducati, having made it clear he has accomplished all the things he may to persuade the bosses he’s worthy of a promotion.
Martin is main the championship forward of this weekend’s French GP, and likewise completed runner-up to Bagnaia final yr.
“I really feel very sorry for Enea, as a result of for my part, he has not carried out in addition to he may have accomplished with out the harm final yr,” Petrucci stated.
“I do not assume he has reached his full potential on the manufacturing unit Ducati and I hope he does.
“It is clear that Martin want to trip that bike, and he deserves it, and I’d additionally like Marco Bezzecchi to trip it, I encourage him.
“Ultimately, they’ll consider the outcomes, it will not be simple, however the one factor I hope is that they do not make hasty choices, based mostly on the second.”